Maryland House of Delegates District 23

What’s the job: One of 188 members of Maryland’s General Assembly, split between the House of Delegates and the Senate. Responsible for introducing and voting on legislation, approving state spending and providing oversight of Maryland government operations. Elected to a four-year term.

Democratic

Name: Michael Bance

Age: 49

Personal: Father, one daughter.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, psychology, Bowie State University.

Experience: Sales director, technology/software industry; former high school English teacher and varsity football coach; former City Councilman for New Carrollton; fitness business owner and certified personal trainer; community mentor.

Questionnaire

Q: Maryland’s state government is facing a structural deficit in future years. Please describe how you would approach closing the gap. Be specific about any spending cuts or revenue increases you propose.

A: Affordability and cost of living, education outcomes and workforce readiness, and public safety/community stability.

Q: What do you consider the three most pressing issues facing Maryland?

A: Increase housing supply through smart growth, support small businesses and job creation, reduce unnecessary fees, invest in transportation, and provide targeted tax relief for working families and seniors. We should also lower energy burdens through efficiency and innovation.

Q: What would you do to lower the cost of living for Maryland residents?

A: We should protect the core goals of the Blueprint while demanding accountability and measurable results. Before raising broad new taxes or rolling back key programs, we should phase implementation responsibly, improve efficiency, and ensure every education dollar is producing outcomes for students.

Q: The cost of implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education plan will exceed the money available in the Blueprint’s fund over the next few years. Should the state raise new revenue for the programs, or should the programs be rolled back or adjusted?

A: Through transparency, accessibility, and results. I would hold town halls, publish regular updates, maintain open communication, and be responsive to constituent concerns. People should be able to measure my performance by whether I listen, solve problems, and improve everyday life in the district.

Q: Besides an election, how do you want constituents to review your job performance?

A: [No response provided]

Name: Tambei Chiawah

Candidate did not respond to The Banner’s voter guide questionnaire.

Name: Marvin E. Holmes, Jr.

Candidate did not respond to The Banner’s voter guide questionnaire.

Name: Keenon James

Candidate did not respond to The Banner’s voter guide questionnaire.

Name: Kris Natesan

Candidate did not respond to The Banner’s voter guide questionnaire.

Name: Le Shaun Quander-Mosley

Candidate did not respond to The Banner’s voter guide questionnaire.

Name: Rebecca M. Stallworth

Candidate did not respond to The Banner’s voter guide questionnaire.

Name: Kym Taylor

Candidate did not respond to The Banner’s voter guide questionnaire.

Republican

Name: Michael Riker

Candidate did not respond to The Banner’s voter guide questionnaire.

Name: Kimberly Simmons Robinson

Candidate did not respond to The Banner’s voter guide questionnaire.